FIT LIFE: Mind, Body, Spirit - (Stacia Naquin)

She's an educator, a speaker, an author and a volunteer. But, somehow, she makes time for fitness as well. Here's how Dr. Regina Lewis is living a competitively FIT LIFE:

Sometimes I think to myself – there’s no way I can fit in a workout. My schedule is too crazy! But then I get a reality check. There are people with MUCH crazier schedules who still make time for fitness. Dr. Regina Lewis is one of those people. She is the Department Chair of the Communications Dept, Assistant Dean of Communications, Humanities and Technical Studies at Pikes Peak Community College AND serves as an adjunct instructor for UCCS. She’s also a sought-after keynote speaker AND serves as a volunteer for various organizations. Oh and – not only does she find time to work out – she has taken fitness to a truly competitive level. And now – an award-winning level! Read on to see how Dr. Regina Lewis is living a Fit Life:

Stacia: When did you decide you wanted to take fitness to a competitive level?

Regina: I began November 30th 2011

Stacia: How did you come up with a training plan?

Regina: I had an amazing trainer, Ann Claiborne the owner of Ultimate Transformation, who provided me with my workout split and my meal plan. I did do research on my own to find out why I should be eating certain foods and the impact of some of the exercises. I also found a few excellent books that were helpful (Strength Building Anatomy by Frederic Delavier, The Eat Clean Diet Recharged by Tosca Reno, and Nutrition for Dummies).

Stacia: Your regular work schedule is already intense. How on EARTH did you find the time to work out?

Regina: I know right! I went from having to do 20 mins of cardio and 45 mins of lifting weights 5 days a week to cardio for 1 hour twice a day and then another 45 mins of cardio that same day along with an hour of weight lifting. My sister would wake me up at 4:20am 6 days a week and we would meet at the gym at 5am sharp to do our cardio. Then we would meet again right after work to do our lifting and our 45 mins of cardio (sometimes laps in the pool). Then before I went to bed, I'd go back to the gym to do 1 hour of cardio and 20 mins in the sauna. Sometimes I would do my last bit of cardio on the treadmill at home.

Stacia: What about eating well? How did you stay nutritionally focused while keeping such a busy schedule?

Regina: This was the best part but also the hardest part. I learned what eating clean was and learned that in order to fuel my metabolism, I had to eat 5-6 meals a day. I prepared all of my food on Sundays and measured and packed all of my meals for each day in a carrier with ice packs and carried them with me everywhere I went. This included when I would fly out of town. I would take my food with me as a carryon.

Stacia: What is a fitness competition really like?

Regina: For my first time, I was very focused on my coach. Everything she told me to do, I did it. I could not have done it without my sister, Michele. She listened to everything and made sure I did it. She even woke me up at 2am to feed me. I was too tired to raise the fork to my mouth. The morning of the show, I got dressed and went to the event. I noticed many of the women were trying to check each other out. I did not want to be distracted, so I sat in the back and listened to my music until it was time to go on stage. Since I am an inspirational speaker, I am used to a large audience. But right before getting on stage, I did get nervous. I knew once I was on stage and saw the crowd, especially my family, my adrenaline would kick in and I would enjoy it! When I did get on stage, I saw my family cheering and I was amazed at the people who were cheering for me that I did not know. Some of the highlights of my time on stage… the oohing and awing when I turned around and flexed my back.

Stacia: Wow! I would say so!

Regina: Another highlight was when I heard my boyfriend yelling poising commands at me (he is my biggest fan) and my mother yelling "that's my daughter." When I saw my stepfather leaning in and waving at me with such a proud look, my sister cheering me on, and most of all, when my son jumped out of his seat when they announced that his mom was the first place winner! (2012 NPC GNC Natural Colorado Open)

Stacia: So, what are your goals from here?

Regina: Many years ago, my goal was to master in my mind, body, and spirit. I have accomplished the mind by obtaining my Ph.D. in 2010. My body, I have totally transformed and made healthier. Next, I will compete in another state show and then go to Nationals in July, which will be held in Pittsburgh. In mastering my spirit, I want to tap deep inside myself to help others through my writing and speaking. I will complete my books - one titled "How to Raise a Prince on Food Stamps." I also want to continue my speaking, training, and coaching, both nationally and international.

Stacia: What’s your advice for others out there who think – I don’t know if I can do it!!

Regina: First, I would say to be inspired. We may lose motivation, but inspiration is something deep inside our spirit and it is something much bigger than ourselves. It is when we no longer see ourselves in our current state and continue to stay motivated by moving forward to reach that goal. Inspiration is where motivation is no longer an option. Then "once you have reached the top of the mountain, it makes it easier to see the next summit." (Dr. La Vonne Neal). And lastly, I suggest the following: Be disciplined, Be Authentic, Have a Success Entourage, Let your haters be your motivators, look beyond your current state, stay focused on the results more than the process, and remember, your goal is not an option!

For more with Dr. Regina Lewis, check out her website: http://reginaspeaking.com/

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